9 most beautiful places to visit in Malaga, Spain

Malaga is a prominent city to visit in the famous Costa del Sol area in Spain. People have lived in Malaga for almost 3000 years so it is full of history, art, and unique places. Here are some of the most beautiful places and areas you should visit in Malaga city!

In this blog post, you will find all the places with descriptions, photos, and locations where they can be found on Google Maps. I hope you enjoy Malaga as much as we did! Happy exploring!

Read more » Malaga Bucket List: 11 best things to do in Malaga, Spain

1. Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga

There is one symbolic building that characterizes Malaga and it is the Cathedral of Malaga! The cathedral is definitely one of the most beautiful buildings in Malaga. It was built in the Renaissance architectural style and I recommend going around it to see it from different angles.

As you probably can imagine, it is possible to see the inside of the cathedral. However, you can also buy tickets to climb on the roof! The rooftop of the Cathedral of Malaga was one of my favorite spots to visit in the city. How many times in life do you get to climb on the roof of a massive cathedral?

Visits to the roof happen in groups at certain times. You can buy tickets at the cathedral or online. The roof is not easily accessible as you can only get there by ascending ~200 steps through a narrow staircase. The views of the city and the port of Malaga are quite magnificent!

Location: Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga · Entrance

2. Viewpoints on Gibralfaro mountain

Some of my favorite spots and most beautiful scenes in Malaga are the amazing views you can get while hiking up Gibralfaro mountain! You get the best views over the port area and the bullring, as well as other parts of the city. It is also a great place for a picnic or a morning workout!

Although there is Gibralfaro castle on the top of the mountain, which is a higher place and also has great views over the city, you still have to pay an entrance fee. The best thing about hiking Gibralfaro Mountain is that you get all the same views for free, haha!

There is a narrow walking path that starts near Alcazaba and continues uphill. The hike starts on this street, then through a tunnel and uphill. There are two viewpoints to get the best views and even some benches and places to sit along the way and enjoy the scenery.

Locations: Gibralfaro lookout · Mirador de Gibralfaro

3. Alcazaba of Malaga fortress

Alcazaba is a fortress built by Muslims during the Islamic period in Spain. It is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Malaga and is a must-see place for any visitor. It stands on the slopes of Gibralfaro mountain and is very well visible from the city.

The entrance fee is about 2.5 EUR, but you can visit for free on Sunday afternoons. The most beautiful spots in Alcazaba are the typical archways you can see in Islamic architecture. All of the arches in the photos above are located in a place called ‘Patio de los Surtidores’ within the walls of Alcazaba.

Alcazaba is one of the most popular tourist attractions and it does get crowded during the day! If you want to visit this place without the crowds, go there first thing in the morning. You will find some of the most beautiful places in Malaga within these walls for sure!

Location: Alcazaba · Patio de los Surtidores

4. Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción

One of my favorite places in Malaga and also one of the most beautiful and scenic spots in Malaga is La Concepción. It is a historic botanic garden on the outskirts of Malaga city. There is an entrance fee of 5.20 EUR to visit this garden but you can visit it for free on Sunday afternoons (see here).

The garden is not only full of exotic and unique plants, but also historic buildings and charming corners – waterfalls, sculptures, ponds, gardens, and greenhouses.

This place was a beautiful estate of an aristocratic family. My favorite place there was the historic viewpoint with a gazebo (pictured above).

Location: Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción · Historic viewpoint with a gazebo

5. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

One of the most unique places and buildings in Malaga Old Town is Mercado Central de Atarazanas. It is a huge covered marketplace divided into multiple parts where you can find all kinds of fresh produce.

There are even multiple tapas bars where you can get drinks and freshly made tapas! We had lunch here and really enjoyed it! However, if you happen to walk by this building early in the morning or on Sunday when it is closed, then you will see the most unique part of the building.

There is a beautiful glass window on one side of it with paintings on the glass. Almost looks like a glass mosaic but not really.

However, I am somehow convinced that the correct way to look at the painting is from the inside, so definitely pay a visit to the market when you can get inside and check out this unique wall! They usually open early in the morning but close at 3 PM in the afternoon.

Location: Mercado Central de Atarazanas · Photo location

6. Fountains and arches at Málaga Urban Park

Malaga parks are something different. The gardener is definitely doing something right here, haha! They are a combination of beautiful arches, fountains, orange trees, and a jungle! They must be a TOP spot during the summer heat, haha!

I especially enjoyed Malaga Urban Park (which is jungle-like and has fountains), but this part of the Jardines de Puerta Oscura was one of my favorite hidden gems in Malaga. There are arches and flower walls and fountains – some of the most beautiful spots in Malaga!

However, if you are looking for a walk under the orange trees then Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso will be the one for you. It is more decorative and well-maintained with walkways and benches scattered throughout it.

7. Old Town streets and hidden gems

Some of the most beautiful places in Malaga we found while strolling around the streets of the Old Town. There are hidden corners, narrow streets, and unique tunnels you can explore. You can read more about some hidden gems in Malaga in this blog post.

Some of my favorite spots were the narrow streets where you can get a great shot of the tower of the cathedral. The best spots for that you will find in Calle San Agustín street right next to Santa Coffee Catedral, in Calle Salinas, and next to Restaurante Chinitas on Calle Moreno Monroy street.

Another one of my favorite hidden gems is the Chinitas passage. It is a narrow street in the heart of the Old Town of Malaga that is connected to the main square – Plaza de la Constitución.

This narrow arch-shaped portal with arched metal lanterns above your head has historically been a place to meet up for artists, poets, and bullfighters.

Today there are small cafes in the passage to sit and watch the busy life in the square pass by. A hidden place to disappear from the crowds. The passage gained popularity after a popular Spanish poet mentioned it in one of his poems.

Location: Calle San Agustín · Calle Salinas · Calle Moreno Monroy · Pasaje Chinitas

8. Rooftop views over Malaga

I have always loved seeing cities from above and there are plenty of beautiful places to see Malaga from above. The easiest way to do it is to go to a rooftop terrace – a café, a restaurant, or a bar and enjoy a drink or a meal while observing the beautiful views!

Probably the best place to do that is the highest rooftop bar and restaurant in Malaga. The highest rooftop in Malaga is the building of the AC Hotel Malaga Palacio by Marriott. If you want to have dinner or drinks there just go to the hotel and say that you want to go to the rooftop.

There are tables inside (with glass windows) and also outside on the roof. The drinks bar is only outside. You can walk around the roof and snap photos of the cathedral, the port, and the city. The food was fantastic and we really enjoyed this experience!

Another one of my favorites was the rooftop terrace of Café Gallery. Does having breakfast on the rooftop in Malaga sound dreamy? I think it does! The café is located on the ground floor of Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel.

It is a very nice café serving different options for breakfast and is open to everyone. You can ask the waiter to make a tray so you can bring your breakfast up the stairs to the roof (there is no elevator)! Read here to find out more rooftops to see Malaga from above!

Location: Restaurante Roof top AC Hotel · Dulces Dreams Boutique Hostel & Café Gallery

9. Malaga promenade and Playa la Malagueta

Lined with palm trees, sculptures, benches, art, and unique structures, Malaga promenade – called as Palmeral de Las Sorpresas – is a must-see when visiting Malaga. It is great for running in the morning or for relaxed walks. It is full of beautiful corners – you just have to look for them!

As much as I love the architecture, history, and streets of the Old Town, Malaga is also a beach destination! Visiting Playa la Malagueta beach is a must when visiting this beautiful and diverse city. Is it the perfect spot to wait for the sunrise in Malaga? Probably!

Location: Palmeral de Las Sorpresas · Letras de La Malagueta